Best Circular Saws – Buying Guide & Reviews

Cutting wood, metal, and even plastics, at home or on the job site, require the best circular saw. This tool is smaller and easier to use than a table saw, and comes in handy in many circumstances. But with a wealth of options on the market, how to choose the best one?

Here's a list of Top 5 Best Circular Saw

Like with anything else, there are a host of things to consider before buying a circular saw. Here’s what to consider before buying, and if you’ll still find it confusing to make the right pick, check out some of the best circular saws on the market below.

How to Choose a Circular Saw

Like most power tools, circular saws vary in size and capabilities. Choosing the best one, therefore, depends on your intended use. What do you want to cut? Do you want to use the tool for DIY projects or professional purposes? Once you have the answers to these questions, check out the following things.

Motor and speed

Circular saws can be powered either by a cord or by batteries. The former is more performing, that’s why all tools included on our list are corded. However, you must also consider the actual power of the machine and the speed it reaches.

If you aim for utmost performance, go for a tool with a 15-amp motor. Weaker motors are present on lower-end tools, but if you only want to use it at home and have a limited budget, a smaller motor will still meet all your needs.

As for the speed, aim for over 5,000 revolutions per minute if you’re mostly cutting wood. Lower speeds are desired if you’re handling tougher materials, such as metal.

Circular saw style

All circular saws are handheld units, but some require you to hold them with both hands, while others have a more linear shape and are lighter, so that you can maneuver them with just one hand. These, however, tend to be weaker than full-size saws, and may not withstand job site demands.

Blade size

Also, check the size of the blade. Most circular saws come with 7-1/4-inch blades, but there are exceptions. Smaller blades could be ideal if you’re doing intricate cuts, as they are easier to maneuver. Bigger ones provide a higher rip cut capacity.

Bevel capabilities

Do you want to perform only straight cuts or also cut at an angle? A circular saw with bevel capability is undoubtedly more versatile than one that can only make 90 degrees cuts. Depending on your needs, you can find models that bevel from 45 to 57 degrees and multiple positive stops, for easier adjustment and improved cut accuracy.

Safety

Another thing to have in mind is safety. Some of the best models come with safety circuit brakes that stop the blade in case of accidents. An overload brake is also important, especially if the tool is corded.

With all this in mind, let’s now have a look at the best circular saws in 2019.

Top 5 Best Circular Saw

1. Makita 5007MG

Highlights

15-amp motor

Built-in LED lights

High cutting capacity

56° bevel

7-1/4-inch blade

Power

The Makita 5007MG is an outstanding tool, and the best circular saw for professionals. It’s powered by a reliable 15-amp motor and delivers up to 5,800 revolutions per minute. It can easily cut through wood and soft metals, but also a variety of other materials, delivering job site performance and durability.

Easy to Handle

A nice heft of only 10.6 pounds and excellent balance make from this tool a winner. It’s very easy to maneuver and even comes with two convenient built-in LED lights that show you exactly where to cut for utmost precision.

Overall Assessment

Lightweight, powerful, and intuitive to use, this is undoubtedly the best circular saw you can get your hands on. A rubber grip handle boosts comfort and control, while the large cutting capacity allows you to deal with most materials. It even has a bevel capacity of up to 56 degrees, with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. Strong and durable, the Makita 5007MG brings all you could wish from a best in the class pick.

Makita 5007MG Video Review

2. WORX WX429L​

Highlights

Depth gauge lever

45° bevel capacity

4-1/2-inch blade

Vacuum adapter

Left-sided blade design

Design

The WORX WX429L is a compact handheld tool designed for utmost comfort during the smaller jobs. It’s ideal for DIYers but also for contractors who only want to perform small cuts every now and then. A long handle and one-hand operation increase comfort and balance, giving you full control over the tool and cutting trajectory.

Performance

Although small, this circular saw adapts itself to multiple uses. It reaches up to 3,500 revolutions per minute at no load and cuts anything you’re throwing at it, from wood to metal and plastics. The left-sided blade design makes it perfect for right-hand users, improving the cut-line visibility. An integrated trigger and ergonomic grip also enhance performance while adding balance and control.

Overall Assessment

This compact and ergonomic tool might not withstand heavy-duty job site tasks, but it’s perfect for smaller projects, either at home or in a professional field. It comes with a 4-1/2 blade but can still perform accurate cuts in 2x4 lumber in a single pass. It’s highly maneuverable, has a parallel guide, and even a vacuum adapter. Backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, this tool is no doubt an excellent choice for beginners or professionals shopping on a budget.

WORX WORXSAW WX429L Video Review

3. SKIL 5280-01

Highlights

14-amp motor

5,300 revolutions per minute

Spindle lock feature

Lightweight design

Dust blower

Excellent Maneuverability

Despite its full size, the SKIL 5280-01 is lightweight and highly maneuverable. It weighs only 6.95 pounds and is perfectly balanced, two features capable of reducing fatigue during operation, improve comfort, and overall cutting result.

Performance

Equipped with a 14-amp motor, this circular saw is a beast ready to devour anything you’re throwing at it. Spinning up to 5,300 revolutions per minute and coming with a 7-1/4-inch blade, the tool rips with an impressive speed through all types of wood and even metals. It also has a 51-degree bevel capacity, allowing you to perform a wide variety of cuts.

Overall Assessment

The SKIL 5280-01 is a mid-range tool ideal for the pros who don’t want to break the bank. It has the standard dimension but a lower weight; it’s easier to maneuver, and it even comes with an anti-snag lower guard which helps you perform accurate narrow cut-offs. Its powerful motor and high cutting speed are two other features you’ll love. Furthermore, the tool also has a dust blower and spindle lock for quick and easy blade change.

SKIL 5280-01 Video Review

4. DEWALT DWE575SB

Highlights

15-amp motor

57-degree bevel capacity

Integrated dust blower

Electric brake

Compact

Cutting Capabilities

The DEWALT DWE575SB is another tool that has made it to our list of the best circular saws. Like our entries above, it has excellent cutting capabilities, including 57-degree beveling capacity with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. It rips cut through most materials, and you can even use it to perform precision cuts in wood and soft metals.

Performance

The circular saw comes with a patented 15-amp motor that delivers high performance and capabilities. It is designed to withstand tougher applications, but it delivers safety at the same time. The electric brake stops the blade almost instantly if needed, preventing incidents.

Overall Assessment

From one of the biggest names in the industry, the DEWALT DWE575SB doesn’t disappoint. It’s not as performing as our top pick, but it will still satisfy most needs. A powerful motor and low weight of only 8.8 pounds ensure maneuverability, while the integrated dust blower will keep your surface clean. No doubt, this tool is ideal for a home workshop or mid-duty professional tasks.

DeWalt DWE575SB Video Review

5. PORTER-CABLE PCE300​

Highlights

15-amp motor

5,500 revolutions per minute

Steel shoe

Auxiliary handle

Spindle lock mechanism

Speed

Half-way between our budget and our top pick, the PORTER-CABLE PCE300 is a mid-range power tool designed for performance. It spins at 5,500 revolutions per minute and can slice easily through most materials. The 15-amp motor is also powerful enough to withstand heavier duty jobs.

Accuracy

This circular saw can easily impress with its accuracy and cutting capabilities. It comes with a steel shoe that provides an excellent line of sight and a spindle lock mechanism that ensures quick and easy blade changes. The durable construction and lower weight also ensure comfort during operation and reliability.

Overall Assessment

The last on our best circular saw the list; the PORTER-CABLE PCE300 is a great option for anyone on a limited budget. It has great capabilities and provides power and speed through applications. We also like its durable construction and the easy depth adjustment feature that makes the tool ideal for most jobs. Easy to handle and to perform, this is a great alternative to our other picks above.

PORTER-CABLE PCE300 Video Review

Conclusion

Picking the best circular saw is not rocket science as long as you keep all the above in mind. Furthermore, you now even know which are some of your best options, so you can easily find the tool you were looking for.

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